Girard-Perregaux

Neo Bridges: bridging the gap

David Chokron

First came the Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges. The movement with its architecture unapologetically on display became a signature of Girard-Perregaux, as well as being one of watchmaking’s standout successes of the last 30 years. The concept was subsequently given a new treatment in line with the contemporary preference for accessibility, performance, original design and the colour black. The Neo-Tourbillon took a more modern architectural route, focusing on blacks and greys, and creating a contemporary interpretation of a classic. The next logical step of this variation on a theme – a theme that has become an essential component of the company’s very identity – was to retain the bridges but reconfigure them, making them more accessible, without sacrificing their soul. Thus the Bridges range was born, and the Neo Bridges are part of that.

The idea made sense. In all the Gold Bridges collections, the bridges were the focal point, whether there was one, two or three. From its very first Constant Escapement watch, the company had made allusions to the bridges, which were always visible although not necessarily centre stage. In 2015, Girard-Perregaux recycled the classic arrow-shaped bridge in its Place Girardet range. Functionally, it occupied the place of honour, supporting the heart of the watch: the balance bridge. Then in 2017 came the Neo Tourbillon with its skeletonised bridges in the shape of a waisted arch, which quickly became a signature feature of the Neo Bridges collection. This watch has two bridges. The wider of the two is the gear train bridge, stretching from 3 to 9 o’clock, which also supports the openworked hands. The second is also a balance bridge. They are both made of sandblasted black PVD, attached by polished screws.

The rest of the watch is anthracite grey, also with a sand-brushed finish. The Neo Bridges gives the impression of being a skeletonised watch, although in fact only the bridges and hands are actually openworked. But they are so central to the design that they dictate the overall style of the watch. With no dial in the way, it doesn’t matter that the baseplate is full and opaque, as is obvious from the back of the watch. With a well-managed diameter of 45 mm and a reasonable 12 mm depth, the Neo Bridges succeeds in creating a Three Bridges experience of modern design and high quality, but without a tourbillon, which makes it far more accessible in price terms.

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The brand

Ever since 1791, Girard-Perregaux has been pursuing its course in the best tradition of Fine Watchmaking. The Maison’s history has been characterised by legendary timepieces that combine cutting-edge design with innovative technology.